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More Power or use subwoofer to boost bass for music

Hi,   just want to know if anyone can offer their opinions on how to boost the bass when listening to 2 channel music.

I just got a pair of B&W 804 D3 and would like to get more bass out of the speakers.   I remember the bass was pretty punchy when I heard it in the dealer showroom, but I don't seem to get that in my setup.   I currently have Parasound A31 power amp with 250 watts per channel.

So the question is whether I should get a more power amp, or add subwoofer to my 2 channel music.  I'm a little bit of a purist and would prefer not to use a subwoofer for music, but I'm open to this option.

I would definitely appreciate if anyone can share their experience/opinion.   Thanks very much.
128x128xcool
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,844 posts
 
Have you actually tried sufficiently large traps in sufficient quantity to make an audible difference? I see guys using hopelessly small bits of foam or similar that at beat could only trap dust.
@lemonhaze  Certainly! Bass traps saved the day in our room at one of the last T.H.E. Shows in Las Vegas.

But a DBA simply does it better, that's all. You do the DBA first, **then** the bass traps (if needed), since the DBA is far more effective at sorting out bass problems.
erik_squires
16,152 posts
 
Fixing bass in a room is not always thanks to bass traps.
Having the correct mid/treble diffusion and absorption can also increase the perceived bass by reducing the mid/treble energy, plus better imaging and reduced echo. All good side effects.

In other words, you don't increase the bass, you just reduce the mid/treble energy, while bass traps reduce bass energy somewhat, they smooth it out as well.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
The moral of all this is one size doesn't fit all; in fact, the very opposite, every case is unique.  Variables, among other things: size of room, construction of room (floor, walls, ceiling); viable positions for speakers; speakers themselves, etc.  Some people will achieve excellent results with 2 subs, a happy few (?) with one.  And some may need more for "equitable" bass.  The upshot: one solution doesn't suit all.
lemonhaze
416 posts
 
@ erik_squires  Hi, you seem to be on a crusade to put down something which is valid and sorts out what is a real and common bass problem. I think the recommendations, for a DBA including from myself are in response to an understandable and innocent question from the OP.

By making these recommendations nobody stands to gain anything except for audiokinesis who can be commended for not relentlessly punting his product, unlike some vendors.

Casting aspersions on somebodies honesty and integrity is off-field and you need to wind your neck in on this. I think the ethos of a thread like this is to contribute in some meaningful way and not thread crap.
erik_squires
16,152 posts
 
@ erik_squires Hi, you seem to be on a crusade to put down something which is valid and sorts out what is a real and common bass problem. I think the recommendations, for a DBA including from myself are in response to an understandable and innocent question from the OP.

I've never put down the swarm on the technical claims, and your claim of my crusade is clear projection.  I've even seen fake / one time use accounts created to refute any other options beside the swarm are viable.
People can ask about FM tuners and some one will jump in to recommend the swarm as a fix.

It's not the technology, it is the cult and those who push it.

Best,
E
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